Automatic boot and shoe tree



Oct. 12, 1965 1. J. ALLSOP AUTOMATIC BOOT AND SHOE TREE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed y 15, 1964 Wei? 3'- ALLsQP ATTORNEY Oct. 12, 1965 l. J. ALLSOP 3,210,737

AUTOMATIC BOOT AND SHOE TREE Filed July 15, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR lvoR I ALLSOP gg Walk. I ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofiice 3,210,787 Patented Oct. 12, 1965 3,210,787 AUTOMATIC BOOT AND SHOE TREE Ivor J. Allsop, Bellingham, Wash., assignor to Allsop Automatic Inc., Bellingham, Wash., acorporation of Washington Filed July 15, 1964, Ser. No. 382,867 7 Claims. (Cl.12--120.5)

The present invention relates to a shoe or boot tree, and more particularly to a boot tree that is automatically adjustable to properly accommodate and retain the shoe or boot in its proper position.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved automatic shoe or boot tree which is constructed so that as the boot or shoe is placed in the device, the device automatically adjusts to the sole thickness, the heel thickness and to the proper length, and at the same time, as the heel is arranged in engagement with the heel retaining mechanism, the shoe is straightened and the toe is held in position by a toe retaining mechanism, and wherein there is provided a heel and toe retainer which are arranged and constructed so that they automatically stand or assume an upright or perpendicular position until the shoe or boot is placed in the device whereby the retainers automatically adjust to the proper height of the sole and heel.

, Another object is to provide an automatic shoe or boot tree which can be made so that the shoes or boots are side by side in rows or boot rental shops, or else the present invention can be adapted to street shoes and racks so that such devices can be conveniently arranged to fit in closets similar to shelves or they can be made to conveniently stand or hang on a wall, door or the like.

Another object is to provide an automatic shoe or boot tree which includes a self adjusting toe retainer which is fastened to a sliding or rolling platform that is normally urged or pulled back towards the heel with spring tension, and wherein the platform operates easily with the tension of the sole pressing down on the same, and where in the sole is straightened when the boot or shoe heel is pressed down to receive the heel, and wherein spring tension automatically maintains the various parts in their proper position or location, and wherein the present invention can be readily operated with one hand, and wherein with the present invention the sole of the boot or shoe is straightened by the act of putting the shoe or boot in the press, and the shoe or boot is handled by the heel of the boot which gives the operator or person putting the boot in the device the advantage of the long end of the sole from the normal part that is to be straightened, whereas with prior art devices this is not possible.

Another object is to provide a device of the character described that is adapted to minimize errors productive of wasted labor and material in the formation of the devices, and wherein the device can be utilized speedily and with efiiciency by the users thereof.

Further objects and advantages are-to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device of the character described that is economical to produce, durable in form, and conducive to the most economical use of materials and uniformity of members formed therefrom.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent in the subsequent description in the specification.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of the present invention, showing one shoe supported therein.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1, i

FIGURE 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5--5 of FIGURE 3.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral 30 indicates the automatic boot or shoe tree of the present invention which may include a pair of spaced apart base pieces 31, FIG. 2, and each of the base pieces 31 is adapted to include a horizontal portion 32 and a vertically disposed portion 33. There is further provided a frame 34 which includes pairs of spaced parallel diametrically opposed channel members 35, and as shown in FIG. 4 the channel members 35' are generally of U- shaped formation so as to define or include inner longitudinally extending recesses or grooves 36 for a purpose to be later described. The numeral 37 indicates securing elements for fastening the lower ends of the channel members 35 to the base pieces 31.

There is further provided plate members 38 which are fixedly secured to end portions of the channel members 35, and the plate members 38 each include a main flat section 39 aswell as right angularly arranged sections 40 which terminate in flange portions 41, and the flange portions 41 are secured to the channel members 35 by means of suitable securing elements 42. The numeral 43 indicates a suitable handle that is adapted to be aflixed to the pair of plate members 38 as at 44. v

The numeral 45 indicates a heel retainer which is swivelly connected to each plate member 38, and the heel retainer 45 includes a first portion 46 which has an arcuate intermediate section 47 for engaging the heel 48 of a boot or shoe 49, FIG. 2. The numeral 50 indicates the sole of the shoe, and the numeral 51 indicates the toe of the shoe in FIG. 2. The heel retainer 45 further includes second portions 52 which are arranged at right angles with respect to the first portion 46, FIG. 3, and the second portions 52 terminate in inwardly directed third portions 53 which extend through apertures or openings 54 in the side portions 40 of the plate member 38.

As shown in. the drawings, there is provided a movable platform which is indicated generally by the numeral 55, and the platform 55 is mounted for movement towards and away from the stationary plate member 38, and the platform 55 includes a main fiat section 56 as well as spaced parallel side sections 57 that are arranged at right angles with respect to the section 56, FIG. 5. The numeral 58 indicates cross pieces or axles which are connected to the side sections 57, and rollers 59 are movably mounted within the grooves 36 of the channel members 35, and the rollers 59 are connected to the cross members 58 whereby the platform 55 can move towards and away from the stationary plate member 38 in the desired manner.

The numeral 60 indicates a toe retainer which is swivelly connected to the platform 55, and the toe retainer 60 includes a first portion 61, right angularly arranged second portions 62, and the second portions 62 terminate in inwardly directed third portions 63, and the third portions 63 extend through apertures or openings in the side section 57 of the movable platform 55. The numeral 64 indicates yieldable or resilient means such as rubber or resilient bands, and the resilient bands 64 extend between the portions 53 and 63 of the heel and toe retainers 45 and 60 for normally urging or biasing the movable platform 55 towards the stationary plate member 38.

As shown in the drawings, the device 30 is constructed so that it can accommodate a pair of boots or shoes 49 therein at the same time.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided an automatic boot and shoe tree, and in use, with the parts arranged as shown in the drawings, shoes or boots such as those indicated by the numeral 49 are adapted to be arranged so that, for example, as shown in the left side of FIG. 2, the toe portion 51 is engaged by the portion 61 of the toe retainer 60, and the heel 48 is engaged by the portion 47 of the heel retainer 45 whereby the shoe or boot will be maintained in the proper position on the device. As shown in the drawings, a pair of shoes or boots can be simultaneously supported due to the provision of the pair of similar set-ups which are operatively connected together.

The various parts can be made in different shapes or sizes and out of any suitable material as desired or required.

The present invention is especially suitable for use in supporting ski boots or shoes and the present invention will prevent such shoes or boots from getting out of shape when not being worn or used. When the device is being used, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, first the toe portion 51 is adapted to be hooked into or arranged in engagement with the toe retainer 60 and then a downward manual pressure is applied to stretch the rubber bands 64 whereby the movable platform 55 can move downwardly along the channel members due to the provision of the rollers 59 which travel in the grooves 36 of the channel members. After the platform 55 moves down a sufficient distance, the heel 48 is readily engaged with the heel retainer and then manual pressure on the shoe or boot can be released so that due to the provision of the yieldable members 64, the platform 55 will be biased or urged towards the stationary plate member 38 whereby the shoe will be locked in place under the desired amount of tension or pressure.

The handle 43 can be used as a convenient means for carrying or holding the device. The base pieces 31 provide a convenient support to permit the tree to be supported in an upright position.

The automatic shoe or boot tree 30 of the present invention is constructed so that the act of placing a boot or shoe in the device automatically adjusts the device to the thickness of the sole such as the sole 50, the thickness of the heel such as the heel 48, and to the proper length, and at the same time that the heel is placed under the heel retainer, the shoe is straightened as the toe is held in position by the toe retaining mechanism and the portions of the shoe near the ballof the foot where the bend comes in since the shoe .pushes against the platform 55 as the heel 48 is pushed towards the heel platform or plate 38. The platform 55 carries the toe retainer 60 which is movably mounted due to the provision of the rollers 59 which can move in the grooves 36 of the channel members 35, and the platform 55 is pulled or urged towards the heel section by means'of elastic bands 64, spring members or the like.

Also, the heel retainer 45 and toe retainer 60 are constructed so that the spring members or rubber bands 64 which urge them together, also serve to make the retainers 45 and 60 automatically stand in an upright or perpendicular position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for example, until the boot or shoe is placed therein, and then the retainers automatically adjust to the proper height of the sole and heel. The entire action works so easily and efficiently that it is just about as easy to place the boots in the tree as it is to set the boots on a shelf. 7

The trees or racks can be built so that the shoes or boots are side by side in rows or boot rental shops, or the present invention can be adapted to accommodate street shoes. In addition, racks can be arranged to fit in closets similar to shelves or they can stand or hang on a wall or door.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the shoe 49 on the right side which is shown in broken lines, shows the bent or curved sole so as to demonstrate graphically how the sole is straightened as it is put in the-press, and the shoe 49,0n the right side of FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of initially positioning the shoe in the device, while the shoe 49 shown in solid lines on the left side of FIG. 2 shows the position of the parts after the shoe is finally positioned in its proper location.

It is to be understood that the present invention also covers the use of a slide action instead of rollers, and also covers the use of a spring arrangement in place of rubber bands such as the rubber bands 64.

The principles of the present invention are applicable to rental models intended for rental boots and can be set on shelves or fastened in racks or shelves, or fastened to the wall where the boots fit in the tree side by side instead of sole to sole, and also the carrying handle 43 and base 31 can be omitted. Also, the present invention is adapted to be used for street shoes for closet racks.

The main feature or aspect of the present invention is the self adjusting toe retainer which is fastened to the sliding or rolling platform 55 which is pulled back towards the heel with spring tension, and wherein the platform operates easily with the tension of an otherwise curled sole pressing down on it. In the present invention the sole 50 is straightened when the boot or shoe heel is pressed down to accept or receive the heel retainer, and the rubber band or spring tension automatically holds everything in its proper location.

The present invention is easier'to operate with only one hand required as compared to prior art devices, and for example when the boot tree is fastened to a shelf or to the wall.

The automatic boot press of the present invention adjusts to sole height, heel height, and the length of boot automatically, and it fits all sizes and straightens boots in a highly efficient manner.

In the present invention the sole of the boot or shoe is straightened by the act of putting the shoe or boot in the press and the shoe or boot is handled by the heel of the boot which gives the operator or person who puts the boot in the advantage of the long end of the sole from the normal part that is to be straightened. This is in contrast to the action which occurs when a shoe or heavy boot is straightened from the toe and wherein the radius from the curl is so short that it requires some other mechanical advantage such as a lever or wing screw for the operation thereof.

The retainers 45 and 60 are arranged and constructed so that as pressure is applied to the bands 64, the retainers or wire loops will stand at substantially a right angle to the channel or platform. The retainers 45 and 60 have portions 53 and 63 that are arranged at right angles to the sides or portions 52 and 62, and the bands 64 engage the portions 53 and 63 as shown in the drawings. The retainers are free to pivot, and as previously stated the openings 54 and 65 have portions 53 and 63 respectively of the retainers extending therethrough whereby the retainers are free to pivot or swivel. The retainers or wire loops 45 and 60 will pivot in the proper direction when the bands 64 are under stress to automatically adjust to the thickness of the heel or toe sole.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

What is claimed is:

1. In an automatic boot and shoe tree, channel members having a plate member fixedly secured thereto, a movable platform, means connecting said platform to said channel members for movement towards and away from said plate member, yieldable means for urging and biasing said platform towards said plate member, automatically adjustable heel and toe retainers swivelly connected to said plate member and platform, and means connecting said yieldable means to said heel and toe retainers to bias said heel and toe retainers toward a position perpendicular to the plate member and platform.

2. As a new article of manufacture, an automatic boot and shoe tree comprising a frame including channel members, a plate member fixedly secured to end portions of the channel members, a heel retainer swivelly connected to said plate member, a platform movably connected to said channel members and mounted for movement towards and away from said plate member, rollers operatively connecting said platform to said channel members, a toe retainer swivelly connected to said platform, and yieldable means including resilient bands operatively connecting said heel retainer and toe retainer together.

3. An automatic boot and shoe tree comprising a pair of spaced apart base pieces, channel members having their lower ends afiixed to said base pieces, plate members secured to said channel members and said plate mem bers each including a main fiat section and right angularly arranged sections which terminate in flange portions that are secured to said channel members, a handle afiixed to said plate members, a heel retainer swivelly connected to said plate member and said heel retainer including a first portion, second portion arranged at right angles with respect to said first portion, inwardly extending third portions projecting through apertures in the right angularly arranged sections of the plate member; a movable platform mounted for movement towards and away from said plate member, said platform including a main flat section, right angularly arranged side sections having cross pieces connected thereto, rollers movably mounted within said channel members and connected to said cross pieces, a toe retainer swivelly connected to said platform and said toe retainer including a first portion, right angularly arranged second portions, and inwardly directed third portions which extend through apertures in the side sections of the movable platform, and yieldable means operatively connecting the inwardly directed portions of the toe and heel retainers together.

4. An automatic boot and shoe tree comprising a frame having a stationary plate member affixed thereto, a movable platform, means connecting said platform to said frame for movement towards and away from said plate member, yieldable means for urging and biasing said platform towards said plate member, automatically adjustable heel and toe retainers swivelly connected to said plate member and platform, and means connecting said yieldable means to said heel and toe retainers to bias said heel and toe retainers toward a position perpendicular to the plate member and platform.

5. In an automatic boot and shoe tree, a frame, a plate member secured to said frame, a heel retainer swivelly connected to said plate member and said heel retainer including a first portion, second portions arranged at right angles with respect to said first portion, inwardly extending third portions projecting through apertures in the plate member, a movable platform, means connecting said platform to said frame, said platform being mounted for movement towards and away from said plate member, a toe retainer swivelly connected to said platform, said toe retainer including a first portion, right angularly arranged second portions, and inwardly directed third portions which extend through apertures in the movable platform, and yieldable means operatively connecting the inwardly directed portions of the toe and heel retainers together.

6. In an automatic boot and shoe press or tree, a frame, a plate member secured to said frame, a heel retainer swivelly connected to said plate member and said heel retainer including a first portion, second portions arranged at right angles with respect to said first portion, inwardly extending third portions projecting through apertures in the plate member, a movable platform, means connecting said platform to said frame, said platform being mounted for movement towards and away from said plate member, a toe retainer swivelly connected to said platform, said toe retainer including a first portion, right angularly arranged second portions, and inwardly directed third portions which extend through apertures in the movable platform, yieldable means operatively connecting the inwardly directed portions of the toe and heel retainers together, said heel and toe retainers normally occupying a position perpendicular to the plate member and platform, and said yieldable means comprising resilient bands.

7. An automatic boot and shoe tree comprising a frame, automatically adjustable heel and toe retainers, means swivelly connecting said heel and toe retainers to said frame, means mounting at least one of said retainers for movement towards and away from the other of said retainers, yieldable means for urging said one retainer towards the other retainer, and means cooperating with said yieldable means for simultaneously biasing said heel and toe retainers towards a position perpendicular to the frame.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,025,725 12/35 Cornelius 12120.5 X 2,566,656 9/51 David 12-1205 X 2,883,688 4/59 Barreca 12--120.5 2,987,750 6/61 Burnside 15--267 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN AN AUTOMATIC BOOT AND SHOE TREE, CHANNEL MEMBERS HAVING A PLATE MEMBER FIXEDLY SECURED THERETO, A MOVABLE PLATFORM, MEANS CONNECTING SAID PLATFORM TO SAID CHANNEL MEMBERS FOR MOVEMENT TOWARDS AND AWAY FROM SAID PLATE MEMBER, YIELDABLE MEANS FOR URGING AND BIASING SAID PLATFORM TOWARDS SAID PLATE MEMBER, AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE HEEL AND TOE RETAINERS SWIVELLY CONNECTED TO SAID PLATE MEMBER AND PLATFORM, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID YIELDABLE MEANS TO SAID HEEL AND TOE RETAINERS TO BIAS SAID HEEL AND TOE RETAINERS TOWARD A POSITION PERPENDICULAR TO THE PLATE MEMBER AND PLATFORM. 